Page 45 of The Renter

“April fourth,” he shares, playing with my hair.

“So, you think you’re ready for a new relationship?” I almost want to hide my face after asking that, and I am happy we’re not making eye contact right now.That’s not fuckbuddy talk.

“I’ve felt single for years.”

I roll over to see his face to see if he’s telling the truth.

“I was emotionally detached. When she moved out, it was officially over for me.”

“When did she move out?”

“When we filed for divorce. About two years ago.”

My eyes likely reveal the caution I feel.Is he ready for something serious?Am I? “Let’s not move too fast, okay?” I ask him and also myself.

33

“I’m back.” I breathe as the elevator doors open to the familiar surroundings of Harris Ventures. The scent and energy of the office hit me immediately, even before I notice the guysstillwearing vests despite the summer heat.

I expect my assistant, Allison, to greet me, but her absence is noticeable as I walk down the long hall of our suite on the sixty-seventh floor. This is the longest I’ve ever been away from the office—eighteen days. Greg’s office is my first stop, but I refrain from diving into business right away, practicing the patience I’ve been working on lately.

“Greg, a moment,” I say, peeking my head into his office before continuing to mine.

Settling into my corner office, I take a moment to scan the Chicago skyline. Fewer cranes dot the horizon, and I briefly wonder about the stability of the economy. Greg’s booming voice pulls me back to the present.

“You’re back,” Greg says, wearing plaid pants and a collared T-shirt with a logo I don’t recognize. I laugh internally—he’s probably getting fashion advice from the interns.

Cutting straight to business, I ask, “Why hasn’t anyone signed Dani yet?”

“I told them to wait until we solidified a global agreement.” His eyes are questioning me.

“I don’t want her to have a global agreement. I want her to pick and choose which of our interests she works with.”

“That’s not how we handle any other vendor.” Greg laughs, condescending. “We’ve made it clear that vendors are exclusive with us,” he says like I need reminding.

I don’t want Dani working with all our companies—it’ll leave her no time for me. She’ll be buried in work.

“She’s the exception,” I snap. “Besides, it’ll be a wake-up call to our current PR firm. They can’t get fat and happy with us. A little competition goes a long way.”

“What happens when you stop sleeping with her?” Greg raises an eyebrow.

My gut reaction is defensive, but I don’t break eye contact with him. “We’ll cross that bridge later,” I say firmly. It’s my decision, after all.

“Whatever you say,boss.”

That fucker.But he’s my fucker. Greg’s the best COO anyone could ask for, and he’s right. What happens if I stop sleeping with her? Hopefully, that won’t happen.

We’re a golden ticket for vendors. When they’re in the inner circle, they get rich. When they fuck us, they’re iced out. It’s easier having a preferred vendor list. When we invest in a company, we fuel their growth with our top-tier sales, software—you name it vendors.

Allison’s arrival breaks the tension. Normally, her not greeting me at the elevator would’ve triggered a reprimand, but today, I feel different. Maybe it’s the meditation or the recent blissful distractions, but I don’t feel the need to berate her.

“Where did you make tonight’s dinner reservations?”

“One.”

“A little cliché?”

“Not for her,” Allison quips, and she’s right. If Dani’s only been to La Nonna once before, then I doubt she’s ever been to a three-Michelin-starred restaurant. It’ll be special for Dani.